Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor temples, offers a different face in each season. This comprehensive guide will take you through the unique experiences each month brings, helping you plan the perfect Cambodian adventure that aligns with your travel style and preferences. Let’s go!
Siem Reap weather in overall
Cambodia is a tropical country and the weather generally warm the whole year-round. Still, the Siem Reap weather could be divided into 3 seasons with the typical phenomenon: hot season, rainy season and cool season.
The hot season (April-June): brings intense heat and humidity, with temperatures soaring to 40°C. This period demands careful planning for outdoor activities, especially temple visits.
The rainy season (June-November): brings frequent but usually brief downpours. While this might seem challenging, it transforms the landscape into a lush paradise, with temple moats full and rice paddies at their most photogenic.
The dry and cool season (November-March): offers the most pleasant weather conditions, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Due to the perfect weather to explore Siem Reap, this time also makes it the peak tourist season, particularly for exploring the temple complexes.
Siem Reap Weather by month
With the tropical weather, the temperature of Siem Reap often range from 21°C – 40°C with the humidity around 65% – 85% and the annual rainfall varies significantly by season. Let’s go details in each month:
January
- Temperature: 21-32°C
- Humidity: 65%
- Rainfall: Minimal
January offers ideal weather conditions with cool mornings and warm afternoons. The dry climate and clear skies create perfect conditions for temple exploration. This time is also known as the perfect temple weather
Visit Siem Reap at this time will make you feel like stepping into a photographer’s dream. The mornings greet you with a gentle coolness that’s perfect for early temple exploration. As you walk through Angkor Wat at sunrise, the crisp air carries the sounds of waking birds and distant chanting from local monasteries.
Unique Activities
- Watch the first light hit Angkor Wat’s spires during a sunrise tour
- Cycle through the countryside when the paths are dry and firm
- Explore the quieter temples like Preah Khan without the discomfort of heat
- Enjoy al fresco dining in the evening at Pub Street
- Take spectacular photos with clear blue skies as your backdrop
Local Tips
- Book accommodations in advance due to high season
- Start temple tours early to avoid crowds
- Light layers are recommended for temperature changes
February
- Temperature: 22-33°C
- Humidity: 70%
- Rainfall: Very low
February continues the excellent weather pattern with slightly warming temperatures. It brings the first hints of the approaching heat, but maintains the pleasant conditions that make temple exploration enjoyable.
This month is also known as the time for festival season begin. The town buzzes with early preparations for upcoming spring festivals, and the markets are full of colorful displays.
Unique Activities
- Join early morning photography tours when the light is soft and golden
- Explore the less-visited temples like Banteay Srei when the pink sandstone glows
- Take part in traditional cooking classes in the comfortable weather
- Visit the Angkor National Museum without the peak season crowds
- Experience evening food tours in perfect temperature
Local Tips
- Carry sunscreen and water
- Plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon
- Pre-book popular restaurants and tours
March
- Temperature: 24-35°C
- Humidity: 75%
- Rainfall: Occasional showers
Temperatures begin to rise, but conditions remain generally favorable for sightseeing.
March marks the transition toward the hot season, bringing warmer temperatures but still maintaining manageable conditions. The landscape begins to dry, creating dramatic dusty sunsets and perfect conditions for evening activities.
Unique Activities
- Take advantage of the slightly quieter temples as high season winds down
- Experience traditional Khmer massage when afternoon heat peaks
- Visit the floating villages when water levels are still good
- Enjoy sunset drinks at rooftop bars with spectacular views
- Participate in evening cultural shows and Apsara dance performances
Local Tips
- Plan indoor activities between 11 AM and 3 PM
- Book hotels with strong air conditioning
- Carry electrolyte drinks for temple exploration
- Consider twilight temple tours for cooler conditions
April
- Temperature: 28-40°C
- Humidity: 80%
- Rainfall: Increasing
April is the hottest month of the year requires careful planning for outdoor activities. It brings the excitement of Khmer New Year alongside the year’s highest temperatures. The city comes alive with festivities, while the heat creates shimmering mirages across the temple stones. Early mornings and evenings take on a magical quality with soft, golden light perfect for photography.
Unique Activities
- Participate in traditional New Year water blessings at local temples
- Experience the enchanting Khmer New Year games and celebrations
- Take early morning photography tours when temples are bathed in golden light
- Enjoy traditional dancing and performances during festival times
- Cool off with a sunset cruise on Tonle Sap Lake
Local Tips
- Book accommodations with pools and strong air conditioning
- Start temple visits no later than 6:30 AM
- Carry traditional scarves (krama) soaked in cold water for cooling
- Plan afternoon cultural activities in air-conditioned spaces
May
- Temperature: 28-38°C
- Humidity: 80%
- Rainfall: Regular short showers
May offers a unique perspective on Siem Reap, with intense heat creating a dreamlike atmosphere around the temples. The approaching rainy season brings spectacular cloud formations and dramatic sunsets, while occasional shower patterns create perfect gaps for exploration.
Unique Activities
- Visit Kulen Mountain waterfall for a refreshing escape
- Explore the cool interiors of lesser-known temples
- Experience traditional spa treatments and massages
- Take evening food tours when temperatures cool
- Photograph dramatic storm clouds over Angkor Wat
Local Tips
- Choose accommodations near your primary interests to minimize travel
- Carry an umbrella for both sun and rain protection
- Plan indoor activities between 11 AM and 3 PM
- Book evening tours for comfortable exploration
June
- Temperature: 27-35°C
- Humidity: 85%
- Rainfall: Frequent
June marks the beginning of the green season, when Siem Reap transforms into a photographer’s paradise. The rain brings relief from the heat, and the landscape begins its dramatic transformation into lush beauty. Temple moats fill, creating perfect reflections for photography.
Unique Activities
- Capture stunning reflection shots at water-filled temple moats
- Experience authentic local life with fewer tourists around
- Take cooking classes during afternoon rains
- Explore the covered Old Market when showers pass through
- Enjoy peaceful temple visits between rain showers
Local Tips
- Book hotels with covered tuk-tuk service
- Pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof shoes
- Keep itineraries flexible to work around rain patterns
- Choose accommodations with good shelter options
July
- Temperature: 26-34°C
- Humidity: 85%
- Rainfall: Heavy at times
July brings a rhythm to Siem Reap, with predictable rain patterns and gorgeous green landscapes. The temples take on a different character, with moss-covered stones and dramatic skies creating atmospheric scenes. The reduced tourist numbers make for more intimate experiences.
Unique Activities
- Photograph temples against dramatic storm clouds
- Visit local villages when rice fields are vivid green
- Explore the floating villages at high water levels
- Take advantage of low-season hotel rates for luxury stays
- Experience peaceful sunrise tours with fewer crowds
Local Tips
- Plan outdoor activities for morning hours
- Book flexible tours that can adapt to weather
- Carry rain gear but don’t let showers deter you
- Choose hotels with good restaurants for rainy evenings
August
- Temperature: 26-33°C
- Humidity: 85%
- Rainfall: Frequen
August offers Siem Reap at its most verdant, with rice fields in full growth and temple moats brimming with water. The regular rainfall creates a pattern to daily life, with intense bursts of activity during dry periods and peaceful interludes during showers.
Unique Activities
- Take countryside tours to see rice farming in action
- Visit Tonle Sap Lake when water levels are highest
- Explore temples with fewer tourists around
- Photograph misty morning landscapes
- Experience local life during market visits
Local Tips
- Book tours with wet-weather alternatives
- Choose accommodations with covered walkways
- Plan activities around typical rain patterns
- Take advantage of low-season spa promotions
September
- Temperature: 25-32°C
- Humidity: 85%
- Rainfall: Heavy
September brings the peak of the rainy season, transforming Siem Reap into a water world. The massive moats around Angkor Thom fill completely, ancient water systems spring to life, and the countryside becomes a patchwork of reflecting pools and emerald rice fields.
Unique Activities
- Explore the hydraulic systems of ancient Angkor
- Visit local markets during morning clear spells
- Experience traditional massage during afternoon rains
- Take boat tours on swollen waterways
- Photograph temples with dramatic storm backgrounds
Local Tips
- Book hotels with good in-house restaurants
- Plan flexible itineraries that can adapt to weather
- Choose accommodations near main attractions
- Take advantage of low-season discounts
October
- Temperature: 24-31°C
- Humidity: 80%
- Rainfall: Decreasing
October marks the transition toward the dry season, with decreasing rainfall and the first hints of the comfortable weather to come. The landscape remains lush, but the skies begin to clear, creating perfect conditions for photography and exploration.
Unique Activities
- Combine temple visits with countryside tours
- Experience water festival preparations
- Take advantage of good photography conditions
- Visit floating villages before water levels drop
- Enjoy outdoor dining as evenings become pleasant
Local Tips
- Book accommodation early for Water Festival
- Plan longer outdoor activities as weather improves
- Take advantage of shoulder season rates
- Consider multi-day temple passes
November
- Temperature: 23-30°C
- Humidity: 75%
- Rainfall: Minimal
November brings the Water Festival and the start of the high season, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. The landscape retains its greenery while becoming more accessible, and the city fills with festival energy and celebrations.
Unique Activities
- Attend Water Festival celebrations
- Take full-day temple tours in comfortable weather
- Experience evening cultural performances
- Explore night markets as they expand for high season
- Take photography tours in perfect light conditions
Local Tips
- Book accommodations well in advance for festival dates
- Start temple tours early as tourist numbers increase
- Consider sunset quad bike tours
- Book popular restaurants in advance
December
- Temperature: 22-31°C
- Humidity: 70%
- Rainfall: Very low
December offers the perfect combination of comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and festive atmosphere. The cool mornings are ideal for temple exploration, while the warm afternoons invite relaxation and cultural experiences.
Unique Activities
- Take extended temple tours in perfect weather
- Experience Christmas and New Year celebrations
- Enjoy evening street food tours
- Take countryside bicycle tours
- Visit temples at sunset for golden hour photos
Local Tips
- Book accommodation months in advance
- Start days early to avoid peak crowds
- Consider splurging on luxury experiences
- Book popular tours and restaurants well ahead
>> Need more to explore Siem Reap in unique way? Read more:
Best Time to Visit Siem Reap Cambodia
The best overall time to visit Siem Reap is during the cool, dry season from November to February. This period offers ideal conditions for temple exploration and outdoor activities, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall.
However, Siem Reap offers each beauty in each month. And here are some keys for you to choose the best month to visit gateway to the magnificent Angkor temples:
- Temple Exploration: December-February
- Photography: June-July (for lush landscapes) and November-February (for clear skies)
- Budget Travel: June-September (low season deals)
- Cultural Festivals: April (Khmer New Year) and November (Water Festival)
- Nature and Countryside: August-September (green season)
- Water Activities: August-September (high water levels at Tonle Sap)
Each month will bring to you each different experience when visiting Siem Reap. If visiting in peak season of Siem Reap, you will enjoy the best weather to do all the activities but also face to tourist crowded and higher price of accommodations. But with rainy season (also known as low season in Siem Reap), except some days will have rain, you will enjoy the lush landscape of this area and don’t need to face to tourist crowded at Angkor Complex also the higher prices.
FAQs
What is the rainiest month in Siem Reap?
September typically sees the highest rainfall in Siem Reap, with frequent heavy showers and occasional prolonged rain periods. However, even during this time, rain usually occurs in short bursts, leaving plenty of opportunities for sightseeing between showers.
When is the high season in Siem Reap?
The high season in Siem Reap runs from November to February, coinciding with the cool, dry season. This period sees the highest number of visitors, peak hotel rates, and the need for advance bookings. The pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring temples and outdoor activities, despite the crowds.
Visiting Siem Reap is a magical experience any time of the year, each season offering its unique charm and opportunities. Whether you’re seeking perfect weather for temple exploration, stunning green landscapes, or budget-friendly options, understanding the weather patterns will help you make the most of your visit to this remarkable destination.
Are you finding the best time for your own to planning the Siem Reap journey? Let’s talk with Indochina Voyages team for more!
>> Maybe you will need for your package travel in Siem Reap: Siem Reap In Depth 5 Days
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
